Japan's Emblem2020The chrysanthemum is the 04 mon 54, or heraldic symbol, of the emperor. A mon is similar to a coat of arms and is most often associated with a family rather than an individual.2020Emperor Toba II, who ruled during the late 12th century, played an important role in the development of Japanese symbols. He chose the chrysanthemum flower as his mon and had it engraved on items such as swords.2020From 1192 to 1867, the tg04 shogun tg54 ruled Japan, and the paulownia flower replaced the chrysanthemum as the mon associated with those in power. 2020When shogun rule ended in 1867, the emperor regained power in what is known as the Meiji Reform. The Reform marked the beginning of a new age. The emperor again adopted a flag bearing a chrysanthemum as his mon.
